P&TS received a 2008 Award of Merit from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission! Read the full story and watch a video profile of our Commute Club program.
What is the Commute Club?
Join the Stanford University Commute Club, and you'll join thousands of Stanford individuals who care about the environment, who benefit financially by not driving alone, and who help the university reduce peak-hour commute trips, a critical goal in the university's growth plan. By not purchasing a Stanford parking permit, and joining the Stanford University Commute Club, you can help reduce emissions, minimize the number of vehicles traveling to and from campus, and benefit financially by not driving alone. We'll reward you with up to $282 a year in Clean Air Cash or Carpool Credit.
Membership rewards include:
Exclusive member gifts
Receive the following free gift as a "thank you" for being a Commute Club member.
 Luggage Tags
Ready to travel? Commute Club members may now request up to six free luggage tags. These durable luggage tags are clear and allow you to insert an identification card or your business card. If your information changes, simply replace the card, and you're on your way! For your convenience, request your luggage tags online or stop by the P&TS office at 340 Bonair Siding. Limit six.
Join us by returning your parking permit and commuting to Stanford by carpool, vanpool, bicycle, foot, or public transit. For more information, contact us today at commuteclub@stanford.edu, or (650) 723-9362.
*Clean Air Cash is considered taxable income per the Internal Revenue Service.
Eligibility
You are eligible for the Commute Club if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You do not drive and park near campus as part of your alternative commute.
- You do not live in student housing or Kingscote Gardens.
- You are actively employed at Stanford, or you are a postdoc or registered student (students only qualify for registered quarters).
- You will be commuting to Stanford for the duration of your Commute Club membership.
- You would be required to display a Stanford parking permit if you were to park at your place of work or study.
- You are not an evening- or night-shift employee.
- You agree not to use any Stanford parking permit (except daily scratchers, a carpool permit, SH permit, or service vehicle permit, if applicable) during the time you are registered as a Commute Club member.
- You are required to be at Stanford at least 20 hours per week during normal business hours.
Please note that anyone whose principal place of work is at the VA Hospital, SLAC, or any other worksite that does not participate in Stanford's parking permit system or that does not have an arrangement with P&TS, is not eligible for the Commute Club. Selected departments in office buildings on Welch Road and employees at the Porter Drive site in Stanford Research Park are eligible for the Commute Club through a pilot program if they meet all other eligibility requirements. For questions about eligibility, send an email to commuteclub@stanford.edu.
Residents of the faculty/staff leaseholder areas, Stanford West, and Oak Creek are eligible for the Commute Club, assuming they meet all other eligibility requirements.
If you're not employed directly by Stanford, we must have written verification of your eligibility from your department. See "How to join" below.
Anyone found to be in violation of the Commute Club and/or parking permit policies set forth by Parking & Transportation Services (P&TS) is subject to revocation of transportation and/or parking privileges. Instances of egregious misconduct may result in further administrative, disciplinary, and/or legal action, up to and including termination of employment or expulsion.
How to join
You can join the Commute Club either by applying for Clean Air Cash or by applying for a carpool permit.
- Read more about Clean Air Cash, which is paid to commuters who don't purchase a parking permit. To apply for Clean Air Cash, apply online. Alternatively, you can download an application and submit it by mail, MC: 7255, or fax, (650) 724-8676.
- Read more about carpool permits, which provide discounted or free parking to Stanford commuters who share the ride. To apply for a carpool permit, download an application and bring the completed form to our office.
If you're not employed directly by Stanford, you must submit a sponsorship form along with your application. The sponsorship form must be completed by your department, verifying that you work on campus at least 20 hours per week during business hours.
Questions? Contact us at commuteclub@stanford.edu.
Do I need to renew my membership?
Commute Club memberships must be renewed every September for the new academic year. Memberships do NOT automatically renew, so be sure to re-apply for this academic year if you want to continue your Commute Club membership.
The quickest and easiest way to renew your Commute Club membership is via online ordering.
However, online applications only allow you to apply for the current month going forward. If you are requesting Commute Club membership for previous months, you need to complete an application form and submit it by fax (650.724.8676), email (scan the completed form and email to commuteclub@stanford.edu), mail (Mail Code 7255) or in person (340 Bonair Siding, Stanford, CA 94305-7255, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
If you're not sure whether you are currently a member, ask us at commuteclub@stanford.edu.
Already a member? Refer a friend to Commute Club and get $50
Current Commute Club members who refer other eligible friends to the program may receive $50 for each additional member referred. The following eligibility requirements apply:
- The current member and the new member must both stay in the Commute Club at least three months from the date the application is processed.
- The current member must be enrolled in the Commute Club for at least one month prior to submitting a Refer-A-Friend application.
- The new member must not have been in the Commute Club (receiving Clean Air Cash or Carpool Credit) any time during the past two years.
- The new member must meet the criteria for Commute Club membership (as defined on the Commute Club application) and must submit a separate Commute Club application.
- The new member's Commute Club application must be received by P&TS at the same time or within two weeks of the Refer-A-Friend form submission.
New members must:
- Meet the criteria for Commute Club membership (as defined above).
- Not have received Clean Air Cash or been in a carpool any time during the past two years.
- Not apply for Commute Club before the Refer-A-Friend application has been received by P&TS.
- Submit the Commute Club application together with the Refer-A-Friend application. In the instance that the Commute Club application does not accompany the Refer-A-Friend application, the Commute Club application must be received by P&TS within two weeks after submitting the Refer-A-Friend application.
Simply print off the "Refer-A-Friend" form and return it with the new Commute Club member's application. Payments are made approximately three months after applications are submitted. Comments or questions? Send them to commuteclub@stanford.edu.
Alternative transportation options
There are many ways to commute to campus using alternative transportation:
- Carpool
- Bicycle
- Train
- Bus
- Walk
- Vanpool
It's easier and more convenient to commute using alternative transportation, using the many programs Parking & Transportation Services has to offer, including:
- Emergency Ride Home: getting you home by taxi or rental car in emergencies
- The Marguerite Shuttle: connecting the campus to local transit, Caltrain, shopping, and dining options with a free, comprehensive campus shuttle system (schedules available real-time)
- Charter Bus services: Offering low cost, flexible, group transportation service options
- GO Pass: offering free use of Caltrain to eligible university employees anytime and anywhere
- Eco Pass: offering free use of VTA buses, light rail, Dumbarton Express, Highway 17 Express, and Monterey-San Jose Express anytime and anywhere
- Line U: offering free express bus service from the East Bay with valid Stanford ID
- Bicycle Program: assisting you in getting started as a bike commuter, commute planning, clothes and bike locker rentals/shower information, bicycle facilities development, safety education, and more
- Daily parking permits for days you need to drive (Commute Club members can purchase up to eight daily permits per month, and have them mailed to their home)
- Zipcar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car on campus provide rental cars when you need them, making it easier to live without a car at Stanford
- Pre-tax payroll deduction for transit passes and commuter checks
Need help in planning your commute or finding a rideshare partner? Contact us at commuteclub@stanford.edu. |
